A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) lookup is a process of decoding the unique 17-character identifier assigned to every motor vehicle, which reveals detailed information about the vehicle. This info typically includes the country of origin, manufacturer, vehicle type, model, year of manufacture, engine size, and more. VIN lookup services may also provide vehicle history, including accidents, ownership records, mileage, recall information, and theft reports.
How VIN is Structured
- The first three characters define the manufacturer and country of origin (World Manufacturer Identifier).
- Characters 4 through 9 describe the vehicle model, body type, engine, and include a check digit.
- Characters 10 to 17 provide the model year, assembly plant, and a unique serial number.
What a VIN Lookup Can Show
- Vehicle specs such as engine type, transmission, and model.
- Year of manufacture using a specific alphanumeric code.
- History including unreported damages, accident records, mileage accuracy, recalls, and theft reports.
- Safety and maintenance recalls status.
- Build plant and country of manufacture.
How to Perform a VIN Lookup
- Enter the 17-character VIN into an online VIN decoder or lookup service.
- Some well-known VIN lookup tools include NHTSA's official VIN decoder, autoDNA, VinPit, and NICB's VINCheck.
- Most services provide free basic info; detailed vehicle history may require a purchase.
Where to Find the VIN on a Vehicle
- Typically visible on the driver's side dashboard near the windshield.
- Near the driver's side door jamb.
- On the engine or under the hood.
For a reliable, detailed VIN lookup, the official NHTSA VIN decoder at https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/decoder/ is a recommended starting point.
